Steller’s Sea Eagle found 60 miles away in Lancashire

The giant Steller’s Sea Eagle which was lost in the Yorkshire Dales six days ago has been found safe and well.

Nikita the female eagle, who has an 8ft (2.4m) wingspan, went missing on 25 January from her home at the falconry centre in Settle north Yorkshire.

Owner and trainer Chris O’Donnell said Nikita was eventually traced using a radio tracking transmitter to the town of Poulton-le-Fylde, only 6 miles from the Lancashire coastal town of Blackpool, after what he described as an “epic” journey. What is very interesting the Steller’s seas eagle must have crossed the Forest of Bowland flying the 60 miles in a straight line across grouse moors to where she was eventually located.

Mr O’Donnell stated Nikita was a bit dirty but was otherwise unharmed, and was now back in her normal enclosure.